500 VILLA GAEDENING part v 



the flowers, when fully expanded, on a cUy day. Dry them in the 

 sun, stirring them frequently until thoroughly dried, and then 

 store them in paper bags, suspended in a dry room. 



Chervil. — The curled variety is the one most commonly 

 grown. Make the first sowing about the middle of February on a 

 south border, and sow in succession as required till the middle of 

 September. The last sowing will stand tlie winter, and should, 

 like the early sowings, be made on a warm border. Sow in June 

 on a north border, as in the hot weather it soon bolts unless sown 

 in a cool position. It may be sown broadcast or in drills. I 

 prefer the latter plan ; draw the drills about 9 inches apart, 

 and thin the plants to 6 inches apart in the rows. In summer, if 

 the plants show a tendency to nm up to flower, pinch these ott". 

 In very severe winters it is a good i)lan to have a few plants in 

 pots (they will lift safely) in a frame or in a cool house, as chervil is 

 in almost daily demand fur flavouring salads, etc. Seeds for home 

 growth may be saved with great facility if desired. 



Chives. — This plant used to be more largely grown than it is 

 at present. It is now antiquated, being generally found in old- 

 fashioned gardens ; it is used to flavour salads, having a mild 

 Onion flavour. It is easily grown, being propagated by division 

 in spring, and may be planted from 6 to 8 inches apart. The 

 yomig tops only are used, and they are cut off" near the crowns. 



Fennel.— This is a very ornamental plant, and will grow G 

 feet or more high in good soil ; it is easily propagated by division 

 in spring or from seeds. The latter should be sown in April. I 

 remember that one cold winter some years ago killed every plant 

 I had. I immediately sowed some seeds in a pot, and placed them 

 in a warm pit, where they quickly germinated, and were potted oft' 

 and grown on in pots till they got strong, when they were planted 

 out. A very few plants will be suflicient for a moderately-sized 

 establishment. In summer the plants — two or three at a time — 

 should be cut over in succession to have young growth coming on. 

 It is a good plan to lift a few plants in autumn, pot and place 

 them in the greenhouse, pushing them on in heat if required. 



HoKEHOUND. — This is thought much of in some countiy districts 

 as a medicinal herb, and is grown and used largely among cottagers, 

 being considered a specific for colds. An agreeable eft'ei-vescing 

 drink is manufactured from it in summer. It is easily propagated 

 from seeds ; cuttings and slips, taken ofi" with a piece of root 

 attached, soon make large plants ; it thrives in any good garden 

 soil, and should be cut and dried when coming into flower. 



Hyssop. — This is another medicinal herb, of a shrubby char- 

 acter, but not unornamental in appearance. It is easily raised by 



